Refund money seized from Ladoja, Oyo urges EFCC

The Oyo State Government has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release money and property confiscated from former Governor Rashidi Ladoja to it, saying they belong to the state.

It also urged the anti-graft agency to expedite the trial of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.

In a statement yesterday, Commissioner for Information Taiwo Otegbeye said the decisions were reached at the State Executive Council meeting.

He said: “The State Executive Council has passed a resolution urging EFCC to expedite the trial of the former governors and their co-accused for alleged misappropriation of state funds and resources.”

The state government hailed EFCC’s efforts to curb corruption, but complained that the trial of the former governors is yet to begin.

It urged the commission to release money, vehicles and property seized from Ladoja to the state government, “since they were allegedly bought with Oyo’s funds.

The government said the return of the items, which are worth over N700 million, would enable it execute more capital projects.

“The council pledges the support and cooperation of the state government to EFCC in its task of ridding the country of corruption,” the statement said.